In 50 years I've never heard 'tre' and I certainly never called a ham "dear" which WAS quite popular in Eastern Europe about 20 years ago. Guess that was a ham version of the corporate world "air kissing" fad. And akin to phone nets where everyone is "my good friend."

Just because you hear it on the air, doesn't mean it's good communication practice. When in doubt, use standard language.

Well the europeans are usind DR lots. I simply use it because im new and have gone with what seems to be being said knowing no better..

I also use .-.-.- for period as apposed to what i hear more commonly ..--..

Why? because this is what i read was correct the second one being (apparently) early american code and the first example being current international or continental code. (which is what is sent on my morse tutor also)

The standard for making abbreviations (in English) has been to drop vowels from words, as they are easily restored in your mind. This is in addition to the "normal" list of abbreviations, some of which have more than one abbreviation for a word. PLS/PSE for please, TKS/TNX for thanks, etc. However, when in doubt, spell it out (hi).

Some of us "OF's" still use those Q-signals mentioned previously. QRA, QSA, QRV, etc., all still have a place in CW.

And PLEASE, don't forget pro-signs! DE, K, AR, SK, CL, etc. They were developed for a reason!

The current fad seems to be to just do what you want, even if it makes no sense. I.E. Sending "CQ CQ K7UNZ K7UNZ" Means you're calling anyone (CQ) and also K7UNZ, but you never identify your own station (DE -----) or ask for a reply (K). Duh! Wonder why you don't get many answers?

No you make a valid point jim. Im all for having a way of doing things. This is what keeps it from slipping into no mans land where a free for all commences.

Here in the uk we are seeing many many newcomers who want to do things there way now they have a ticket .

result, no difference between amateur radio and cb especially on the 2 and 70 fm bands.. shame.

so im of the opinion anyone who takes pride in this great hobby of ours shouldn't feel like they are being an old fart or stuck in the dark ages because they feel it is special and shouldn't be allowed to slip into a free for all..

Contest stations started dropping "DE" and "BK" etc at the dawn of contest memory keyers decades ago. Those stations are ones who WIN contests with thousands of Qs. (have you ever worked WAZ or 2,000 Qs in a weekend?).

Believe me, many diehard contesters have discussed, analyzed and polished to high gloss every molecule of contesting efficiency.

Before the last CQWW CW I stupidly programmed my exchange to end with BK. (K0OD 5NN T4 599 T4 BK). The unnecessary BK was unexpected by the other station who often started transmitting 2-3 seconds early causing me to miss some of his next transmission.

Among top CW contesters (those who make several hundred gorgeous Qs in an hour!) rhythm is important, and unnecessary and unexpected pro-signs break rhythm.

I admit some modern contest practice may be confusing to the newbie. But within seconds anyone can figure out what is meant by "CQ K0OD CQ K0OD [silence]."

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"DE, K, AR, SK, CL, etc. They were developed for a reason!"

Most are rooted in traffic handling by straight-keyed spark at 15 to 20 wpm on noisy 200 meters. Even 1960s contest stations were sloth-like compared to modern Q rates.

Mmmmm i can't recall anyone mentioning contests. A contest is another story where speed and efficiency is probably best. I have heard stations simply send call sign and test that's it, contest operating wasn't the point of the post.

Nor did i recall anyone saying they didn't get many answers.

If you don't understand cricket scores then thats no problem, just ask any 3 year old British child and im sure they will explain it for you.

> .-.-.- is what should be being used as international code. yet i > seem to be one of few who i hear anyway using it. >> or maybe i simply cant read code..

No; almost no one uses the period ( .-.-.- ). It's been that way fora very long time.

In the classic 1956 QST article 'Your Novice Accent - And What To Do About It', the author mentions the use of punctuation (exceptthe question mark and the double dash [BT]) as a sure sign of a 'Novice Accent'.

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